Sandy Springs mother rents theater to host young girls in a private screening of “The Little Mermaid”

Following months of negative controversy and tasteless racial comments about the casting of a Black actress, Halle Bailey, to play the character Ariel, in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, the movie has finally been released. Real fans of the original movie are lining up to see it in spite of the naysayers and will ensure that the movie is a winner.

One local mother is doing her part to make sure that the film is a box office success. She has raised thousands of dollars in donations to host young girls of color in a private screening of “The Little Mermaid” at the Sandy Springs Cinema and Tap House.

Seeing this as an opportunity for young girls of color to see themselves on the big screen, Le’Dor Milteer is stepping forward to make it possible. Said Milteer of the screening, “There is an undeniable need for this. Representation matters and this film is an inspiration. My 7-year-old daughter wants to be a doctor all because of the Disney cartoon, “Doc McStuffins,” about a young Black doctor who can fix toys with the help of her friends.”

Milteer is renting out the 132-seat theater after raising more than $4,000 in donations. Parents and Sandy Springs leaders all joined in to purchase advance tickets and sponsor other families to see the film. Businesses and organizations stepping in to help sponsor the event or make in-kind donations include Trader Joes, Nothing Bundt Cakes, nonprofits Sandy Springs Together, the Most Valuable Kids of Greater Atlanta, and Goldfish Swim School.

Elected officials, including Sandy Springs Councilwoman Melody Kelley and Fulton County Schools board member Dr. Michelle Morancie, is expected to join them for the Sunday screening. In addition to an appearance by a professional mermaid, events before and after the film include Carrington Manous, Miss Greater Atlanta Teen 2023, and a dance performance by Healthy Youth USA Foundation.

According to published reports, “The Little Mermaid,” starring 23-year-old Halle Bailey, is expected to gross over $120 Million during Memorial Day weekend.